GUINGONA LAMENTS NON-PAYMENT OF VETERANS' BENEFITS

FACED with recurring complaints of irregular payment of benefits to Filipino veterans, Senator Teofisto "TG" Guingona III is initiating dialogues with retired military men and their beneficiary widows or family members.

The complaints brought to the attention of Guingona concerned unacceptable non-payment and delays in remitting veteran pensions, burial assistance for deceased veterans, and educational benefits for family members.

Guingona lamented that these developments diminish the valiant efforts of military veterans who fought for the flag and freedom of our countrymen. "It is only through pensions and benefits that we give back what brave soldiers truly deserve," he said.

With the Philippine Veterans Administration Office (PVAO) and veterans' groups, Guingona will look closely on the following points during the dialogues:

1. The complaints of the veterans' surviving spouses as to non-payments and some delayed payment of old-age pension benefits in the monthly amount of P5,000; and

2. Reports and complaints of non-payments of burial assistance and educational benefits to veterans' family members.

Guingona expressed confidence that the dialogues will to measures that will significantly reduce the waiting period of veterans and their families in claiming rightful benefits.